Directional cap for spray dispensers



United States Patent [72] Inventor Roland G. Ahlberg 15A Dryer Ave., Everett, Mass. 02149 [21 Appl. No. 754,207 [22] Filed Aug. 21, 1968 [45] Patented Dec. 29, 1970 [54] DIRECTIONAL CAP FOR SPRAY DISPENSERS 1 Claim, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 239/288, 132/9 [51] Int. Cl B05b I/28 [50] Field of Search 222/4021, 182, 570, 571,394,108, 401.2; 239/288, 288.3, 288.5, 103, (lnquired); 132/1, 7, 9, 88.5, 88.7

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,797,963 7/1957 Wilson 239/150X 3,092,334 6/1963 Peterson I 3,130,734 4/1964 Ellis et al. 132/88.5X

3,185,351 5/1965 Klun 222/182 3,276,699 10/1966 Graveley 222/57OX FOREIGN PATENTS 1,145,922 5/1957 France 132/9 Primary Examiner- Stanley H. Tollberg AttorneyMorse, Altman & Oates ABSTRACT: A cap is provided for use on spray dispensers PATENTEDnEmmm 3,550,857

FIG. 3

INVENTOR ROLAND G. AHLBERG ATTO R N EYS I 1 DIRECTIONAL CAP FOR SPRAYv DISPENSERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to attachments for spray dispensers and more particularly is directed towards a new and improved directional spray cap for use with aerosol dispensers and the like, particularly'cosmetic hair spray dispensers.

2. Description of the Prior Art Spraydispensers', such as aerosol dispensers for cosmetic hair sprays, are provided each with small nozzle which, when depressed, releases the spray to one side of the dispenser in the fonn of a mist. Generally, the discharge is not particularly controlled as to shape and direction, the spray tending to spread outwardly with the result that the spray often gets on the face or clothes of the user. Care must be taken also to prevent any condensed spray from dripping onto the persons clothes which may be permanently stained, also, if toxic, to keep the spray out of the person's eyes. Thus, despite considerable caution taken by the user the conventional spray dispenser is unsatisfactory and involves a considerable amount of waste.

While various types of directional noules have been heretofore available, they have-not been satisfactory for use particularly with cosmetic hair sprays from the standpoint of spray control effectiveness and in maintaining the spray within the desired area. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a directional spray cap for use with aerosol dispensers, and the like, adapted for use particularly with cosmetic hair sprays and capable of preventing spray from discharging elsewhere than the hair and also adapted to collect condensed spray.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION the outer end of the funnel is curved to conform to the shape of the head with the lower portion extending forwardly of the upper portion to provide a better flow path for the spray and also to catch a condensed spray on the upper edge of the funnel. An absorption mat, such as a sponge, is mounted along the lower wall of the guide to catch and absorb the condensed spray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a directional cap made according to the invention and mounted to a spray can,

FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation, partly in section, of a spray cap mounted in position,

FIG. 3 is a view in front elevation thereof, an

FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings the reference character 10 generally indicates an aerosol spray dispenser which, in addition to other applications, is frequently employed with cosmetic hair sprays. The dispenser l0 typically is cylindrical in shape and is formed with an annular lip 12 about its upper edge surrounding an annular groove 14 employed to seat in Mounted in place of the conventional cover is a directional spray cap generally indicated by reference character 22. The cap 22 is formed with a cylindrical base portion 24 having an annular lip 26 adapted to connect in snapping engagement with the lip 12 of the dispenser 10, the lip 26 seating in the annular groove 14. The cap 22 spans the'domed portion 16 of the dispenser and is provided with an upper rear opening 28 which provides access to the nozzle valve I8 so that the person holding the can in one hand may actuate the valve by inserting a finger through the opening.

Extending out to one side of the cap 22 isa hollow guide or funnel portion 30, somewhat cone-shaped, and aligned with the opening 20 in the valve 18. The guide 30 preferably is scalloped in cross section to provide a stiff construction and preferably extends outwardly form the base portion of the cap by a distance of perhaps 6 inches or so. The lower wall of the guide 30, indicated by reference character 32, extends further than the upper wall and terminates in a concave edge 34 best shown in FIG. 4. The curved edge 34 generally conforms to the shape of the human head so that the discharge end of the cap may be placed against the hairline of the forehead, for example, and spray discharged onto the hair without the spray going onto the face of the user.

The discharge end of the funnel terminates in an edge which is generally diagonal to the funnel axis with the edge of the upper wall being located rearwardly of the lower edge 34 as best shown'in FIG. 4. Thus with the cap held so that the edge 34 is close to or against the head of the user and in generally perpendicular relation thereto,'clearance is provided above the lower wall by reason of the diagonal discharge end of the funnel to provide a flow path for the spray from the dispenser 10. The discharge will be guided by the funnel and will be directed to a selected localized area, thelower wall serving to prevent the mist from bothering the user while the inclined opening permits control over the flow into the hair. The rear opening 28, which provides access to the valve 18 also serves as a vent for the funnel to further improve the discharge from the dispenser.

Mounted along the' upper face of the lower wall 32 and along the outer margin thereof is a stratum 36 of sponge, or the like, which serves to collect and retain any condensed spray, particularly condensation which may collect on the outer edge of the upper wall of the funnel and drip down. A lip 38 is formed along the curved outer edge of the lower wall and serves as a barrier to retain any excess condensation'which may collect on the sponge. Condensation of the spray becomes particularly bothersome after the first few seconds of discharge.

The device may be used by removing the original cover and placing the cap in position as shown. The funnel is aligned with the nozzle discharge opening 20 and is placed close to or against the head so that the eyes and other portions of the face are shielded when the spray is released. The funnel thus keeps the spray within the desired area so that there is no waste and the hair is covered more efficiently and fully than would otherwise be the case. The forwardly extending lower wall and the sponge liner serve to prevent condensation from dripping onto the user's face or clothes thereby eliminating any risk of injury due to toxic sprays or staining of clothes.

While the invention has been described with particular reference to the illustrated embodiment, it' will be understood that numerous modifications thereto will appear to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description and accompanying drawings should be taken asillustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.

lclaim:

l. A directional cap for a cylindrical spray dispenser or the like having a nozzle, comprising:

a. a unitary tubular cylindrical body portion open at one end and formed with an annular portion about said one end and adapted to be mounted to said dispenser and over said nozzle;

b. the other end of said body portion being substantially closed and formed with a restricted opening adjacent to said nozzle and of a size to allow manual access to only (1. the discharge end of said funnel terminating in'a plane saidnozzl f PCXa e diagonal to the axis of the funnel whereby the lower poran Integral outwflrdly dwel'glng funnel P of scal' tion of said funnel extends further than the upper portion loped cross Substamlany Perpendlcular to h thereof when said cap is mounted in an upright position; length of sald dispenser extending for a substantial and dltance P f Said porno m wlth e. an absorbent stratum disposed on the inner surface of 831d restrlcted opening and pro ecting beyond the sides of id lower 0m n ada cm the ut r ed th f said dispenser when mounted thereon in register with said M p o J c e ge ereo nozzle; 

